I was recently invited to Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando to learn about new guest experiences debuting this summer across the four Walt Disney theme parks. I was traveling to Disney alone and thought I could not possibly have as much fun at Disney without my family. While there were several moments during my stay that I wished I had my kids by my side, I was able to experience Disney in a whole new and delightful way. If you think Disney is just for kids, think again.
All four Disney parks have much to offer moms looking for a little me-time or a girlfriends' getaway. Here are a few of my favorite experiences for moms in each park:
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is piloting Disney After Hours now through May 19, 2016, and at other times throughout the year. Most people will tell you there is no way to really explore all of Magic Kingdom in one day — this is especially true if you have kids in tow. After Hours in the park allows you to explore over 25 attractions with many fewer guests in the park. Fewer guests and later hours mean little to no wait times, but even those small waits will fly by if you bring along a girlfriend to share an evening of fun with. While tickets to this event are additional from your regular theme park tickets, it can be worth it. It’s a great way to pack a lot of fun into a small window of time.
Epcot
Epcot already tends to be a favorite park for many adults — offering a wonderful way to get a taste of new cultures and countries. Epcot hosts several events throughout the year that are particularly fun for a mother-daughter trip or a quick getaway with your sisters (biological or otherwise).
The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, going on now through May 30, 2016, is an annual event sure to wow. From outdoor kitchens featuring farm-to-table flavors to amazing topiary displays and gardens, there is color and scents and beauty at every turn. There are flowers and gardens everywhere — many hidden in little nooks and corners — you don’t want to be wandering around staring at the ground or a phone screen. Look up and around and you’ll delight at blooming magic all over. Admission to the Festival is included with your theme park ticket, although there may be additional special experiences for a fee.
The Epcot Food and Wine Festival is slated for September 14-November 14 this year. You and your friends can eat and drink your way across the globe, all within the park. Enjoy culinary demonstrations from world-famous chefs, mixology and beverage seminars, and incredible tastings from cultures around the world. While admission is included in the theme park ticket purchase, some tastings and special events require an additional fee.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
One of the lesser visited parks, Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be a very nostalgic experience for moms. With a significant nod to Hollywood’s Golden Age, the park has all sorts of shows and sections that parents who grew up in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s will truly appreciate — from Muppet Courtyard to Pixar Place to an entire (growing) section devoted to Star Wars.
As a huge Star Wars fan myself, I was in awe with what Disney has done to shift the guest experience of Star Wars into light speed. With new scenes in the very cool Star Tours attraction and all-new Star Wars experiences, any adult fan will have a blast (and may even find themselves wondering how to get a lightsaber home in their suitcase). A new live stage show, Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away, debuted on April 4 with some favorite original characters, as well as some beloved new characters. The March of the First Order Stormtrooper procession which is led by Captain Phasma is a sight to behold.
And my sneak peek at the next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, Star Wars: a Galactic Experience, which premieres this summer, was truly the best fireworks display I have ever seen — with music that will bring any fan back to when they first encountered Star Wars on the big screen. I’m not going to lie — a highlight for me was meeting Chewbacca. I felt like a kid again.
And my sneak peek at the next generation of Star Wars-themed fireworks shows, Star Wars: a Galactic Experience, which premieres this summer, was truly the best fireworks display I have ever seen — with music that will bring any fan back to when they first encountered Star Wars on the big screen. I’m not going to lie — a highlight for me was meeting Chewbacca. I felt like a kid again.Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is my personal favorite of the Disney parks but my kids are usually much more interested in riding rides than in spending time spotting giraffes or gazing at the lions. I often feel rushed in the park with my kids and when it closed at dusk, I often felt there was so much I had not yet explored. Not to worry— the park will soon be offering experiences in a whole new light — literally. For the first time in its 18-year history, on May 27, Animal Kingdom will stay open long after dark. During my recent visit, I got a sneak peek at the nighttime magic coming to the park. Animal Kingdom would be the perfect spot for an awesome evening out during your next visit to Disney.
The Tree of Life is truly brought to life at dusk with colorful, animated stories via high-tech projections (and a little Disney magic).
https://youtu.be/6N4jbeCaYMc
https://youtu.be/6N4jbeCaYMc
Kilimanjaro Safaris will offer a twilight safari, which is an entirely new way to experience the popular ride. Some animals are more active at dusk — I saw lionesses chasing one another playfully and giraffes walking right in front of our safari jeep. While during the day, Kilimanjaro Safaris offers a fun (and sometimes frantic) ride, at night, the ride is serene and peaceful. A perfect opportunity to relax after a long day at the parks.
Relaxing isn’t your style? Join a party! After sunset, the village of Harambe throws a Wildlife Parti where you and your friends can dance to African music and enjoy exotic food and drink. (The African fare in Harambe Village is among my favorite in all of Disney.) Discovery Island will also premiere Carnivale this summer with more dancing, food, drinks and cast members in vibrant costumes — many dressed as animals on stilts. If you really aren’t into the relaxing scene, take on Kali River Rapids or Expedition Everest — at night!
By far, my favorite part of Animal Kingdom’s new nighttime magic was seeing Rivers of Light, a musical experience featuring gorgeous illuminations of nature — all of which comes to life on and above the water. The show is currently in development with a premiere date to be announced soon. My taste of the magic was enough to have me dreaming of my next Disney visit. This time, I'm bringing some friends and will carve out some adult time in the parks!
The author was a guest of Walt Disney World for several days and nights to facilitate articles. All opinions are her own. Photos and video courtesy of Walt Disney World.
